Musculotendinous Adaptations to Strength and Endurance Training in Cyclists

This study investigated whether adding strength training to regular endurance training improves performance and muscle function in competitive cyclists. Endurance training is essential for cycling performance, while strength training has been widely recognised as a complementary strategy that may enhance performance and reduce injury risk. However, in practice, strength training is often performed only during limited periods of the training season, and it remains unclear to what extent the adaptations achieved are maintained during subsequent phases of endurance-focused training. Male competitive cyclists were assigned to either a 10-week off-season combined strength and endurance training programme or an endurance-only training programme. The strength training group performed two weekly strength sessions in addition to their usual cycling training, while the control group continued with endurance training only. Participants were assessed at four time points: before the intervention, after the initial 10-week training period, after a high-volume endurance training camp, and during a competition preparation phase. Measurements included body composition, muscle strength, explosive force production, muscle and tendon structure, and cycling performance variables such as maximal power output and aerobic capacity. The primary aim of the study was to determine whether short-term strength training enhances neuromuscular performance and muscle-tendon characteristics in trained cyclists, and whether these adaptations are maintained or reduced when strength training is discontinued. A secondary aim was to examine how these changes interact with endurance adaptations across different phases of the training season. It was hypothesised that strength training would improve muscle strength, power, and muscle-tendon structure, but that these adaptations would be partially reduced during subsequent training phases without continued strength stimulus.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male competitive cyclist * Aged 18 to 40 years * Minimum of 3 years of structured cycling training experience * Actively competing during the previous cycling season * Following a structured training programme with planned competitions * Able to participate in all training sessions and testing procedures * Free from medical conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting training or performance * History of major lower-limb injury within the past 10 years * Presence of any cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disease * Use of medications that may affect physical performance or training adaptations * Inability to comply with the training programme or testing schedule * Participation in another structured strength training programme during the study period